The martini is a sophisticated cocktail made with gin and vermouth garnished with an olive or lemon twist. Sometimes, the vodka is substituted for gin, but purists would scoff at this practice. Though the origin of the drink is unclear, it has been present in bartending guides since the late 19th century.

Celebrate today with a traditional martini made of 5 parts gin and 1 part vermouth, or take a page from Ian Fleming’s book and have a Vesper Martini:

“Three measures of Gordon’s, one of vodka, half a measure of Kina Lillet. Shake it very well until it’s ice-cold, then add a large thin slice of lemon peel. Got it?”
-Casino Royale, Chapter 7